Cavan competitors going for gold at Ulster Fleadh this weekend

Scores of Cavan competitors will be in action this weekend in Castlewellan, Co Down, as they take part in the Ulster Fleadh. The dancing competitions are the first to get underway this evening - with a full programme of events and fringe events and seisiúns lined up for over the weekend.

The competition timetables can be viewed here:

 

Ulster vote

Meanwhile, a crucial vote is set to take place over the weekend, after which it will be revealed whether or not Cavan has been successful in its bid to host the Fleadh Ulach in 2020 and 2021.
If successful, it would be the first time the Ulster Fleadh has been held in Cavan since Cootehill successfully staged the provincial event back 20 years ago in 1999. It was last held in Cavan Town in 1960.
The drive to get the Ulster Fleadh to Cavan has been spearheaded by local musician Martin Donohoe and his Nyah Comhaltas Group.
Other places interested in bringing the event to their their county include Ballygawley in Co Tyrone, and Derry City.
But Mr Donohoe remains confident of Cavan's chances.
"We'd be confident of Cavan's chances, especially after three successful All Ireland Fleadhs taking place,” he told the Celt.

The event would be a big boost for the county town and with Mullingar due to host the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil for the next two years - beginning a week earlier - it is a real opportunity for Cavan to get the party started early in the Breffni county, particularly attracting visitors from the UK and the US.